Each person or family’s last box on the moving truck is going to have contents that vary. The very last box(es) to go on the truck need to contain the things you are most likely to need within the first 24 to 48 hours in your new space. Think of it as what you would need to camp-out in your new home for a couple days while you get started unpacking.
Below is a checklist of some of the items you may want to consider for your Last On/First Off box. Keep in mind that flammable items, liquids, perishable foods or damp items may not be allowed on your moving truck. Please check with your mover so you know which of these need to be hand-carried.
Handy Checklist for Your “Last On” “Open First” Box
Desk Items
- Checks & cash (stash some extra in your wallet and carry with you)
- Stamps
- Blank envelopes
- Pads and sheets of paper
- Pens, pencils, highlighter and small markers
- Stapler + extra staples
- Tape
- String
- Rubber bands
- Black binder clips in various sizes
- Bills & paperwork needed in first few days (put in your Moving Binder if you have one)
- Customer service numbers for lost or stolen credit cards
Eating & Kitchen
- Plastic utensils, cups, paper plates and napkins
- Cutting board and sharp kitchen knife
- Small pot and lid
- Can opener
- Cork screw
- Bottle opener
- Salt & pepper
- Coffee pot or tea kettle
- Coffee filters (carry a bag of ground coffee or tea bags with you – it’s not advisable to put food items on the truck)
- Powdered creamer, sweetener and stir sticks
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic Ziploc bags in various sizes
- Take-out menus and coupons for restaurants that deliver to your new home.
- List of the best pizza delivery places or GF/DF-friendly restaurants in your new neighborhood. Do the legwork NOW rather than having to search it out on your phone later.
- Sponge
- Dish soap
For the Kids
- Toys
- Security blanket & stuffed animals
- Treats & rewards
- Favorite books
- Travel games
- Coloring books + crayons
- Clothes & PJ’s
- Pediatrician & Emergency Room info in new town
Medical & Bathroom
- Urgent care & emergency room in new town
- Prescriptions
- First aid kit
- Toothpaste + tooth brush
- Eye care products
- Q-tips
- Headache medicine
- Antacid
- Vitamins
- Two rolls of toilet paper
- Cheap shower curtain liner
- Soap
- Bath towels
- Towel or rug for bathroom floor
- Kid’s bathroom items
- Toiletries (carry with you –liquid should not go on truck)
Clean-up
- Paper towels
- Rags
- Small bucket
- Trash bags
- Dust pan & small hand-broom
- Wet wipes
Bedroom
- Air mattress
- Sheets, blanket, pillow and pillow case
- Change of clothes (or two) suitable to your new climate
- Pajamas & bathrobe
- Extra work clothes
- Extra socks and undies
Stay Comfortable
- Extra sunglasses
- Extra reading glasses
- Umbrella
- Rain coat
- Sweatshirt or Coat
- Hat
- Gloves
- Electric Fan
- Portable heater
- Thick socks
- Work boots
Toolbox & Fix-it Supplies
- Big wide markers
- Packing tape
- Duct tape
- Safety pins in various sizes
- Mini sewing kit
- Knife/box-cutter
- Scissors
- Hammer
- Flat head and Phillips screw drivers
- Assortment of screws and nails
- Zip ties in all sizes
- Rope
- Wrench
- Cordless drill, bits & screw bits
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Tape measure
- Swiss Army knife or other multiple utility tool
Light & Electric
- Clip lamps
- Light bulbs
- Extension cord & power strip
- Flashlight & batteries
- Chargers for your devices
For the Pets
It may not be possible for some of these items to go on the moving truck and in most cases you will likely have these items with your pets as they travel to your new home with you. If you have questions about items for your pets, please check with your mover 1-2 weeks before your move so you know what can go on the truck.
- Pet food
- Bowls or food & water
- Medication
- Clean-up baggies
- Leashes & collars
- Treats & chews
- Toys
- Name of vet in new town
- 24hr veterinary clinic in new town
- Pee pads and a spare towel
- Pet bed
- Grooming items
Misc
- Matches or lighter (carry with you – cannot go on the truck)
Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
